The writing business is ever-changing, constantly evolving to keep up with the times. The most recent trend in publishing is the switch to online submissions. We have seen many good literary journals and agents fall through the cracks created by the sickly economy, but those left standing are eager to change if it means they can stay in business. Many of them have switched to electronic submissions to keep up with technology—to the joy of some and the chagrin of others.

To stay abreast of publishing trends and keep our clients’ acceptance rates high, Writer’s Relief has been incorporating electronic submissions into the targeting process—and with great success! Sending submissions through the Internet might feel like you’re dropping your work down a dark hole, but rest assured that there are more pros than cons.

Here are some of the advantages of making online submissions. But don’t just take our word for it; we’re including comments submitted to us by some of our clients!

* It’s the green way to go. No paper, no envelopes, no mail delivery truck gas. One of our clients says: I don’t use a cell phone and am reluctant to use my computer much. But electronic submissions save me a lot of time hassling with copying, envelopes, postage, and using my car running from place to place. Damn, I’m saving the environment.

* Less money spent. When submitting online, you’re saving money on paper and printer ink or, if you get your copies done professionally, gas and copy charges. All you have to do is fill out a form. Think of it as something exciting you are signing up for, like a race. Sure, you’re nervous, but just try it—you might like it.

* The ease of working from home. As one client pointed out, You can do it in your bathrobe and slippers. Online submissions can be made quickly (between your other daily tasks), and you can even make them on a Sunday (when the post office is closed)!

* Quicker response time, quicker results. According to one client, Typical magazines that require mail submissions will respond anywhere between 3 – 6 months later. Most of the magazines that accept electronic submissions respond in 3 – 6 weeks. Some even sooner. One agent in particular requested an online version of my entire novel, and she read the entire manuscript and responded to me in three weeks.

* Things don’t get lost. When using online forms, you’ll get a confirmation e-mail and the ability to track your submissions electronically, which means you’ll know your work went through. And even if something does go wrong, you can always re-send a form or e-mail much faster than mailing another packet.

* Submit from around the world. We have many clients who live outside of the US. Submitting online gives them the ease of sending their work from wherever, whenever. One of our clients in Ireland agrees: Since I live outside America, electronic submissions work very well for me due to the speed of submission and, let’s face it, the reduced costs!

* It’s the wave of the future. The industry has already changed and will likely go even more electronic as time passes. Why not get in on that early? You are demonstrating that you are an up-to-date writer and part of the electronic community, a client says. I think your work gets better attention by submitting online.

If you would like Writer’s Relief to help you target your work to the best-suited literary agents and editors (via both online and print submissions), please see our Services Overview to find a program that meets your needs and budget.